Corpus Christi Ballet performs holiday classic ‘The Nutcracker’

December 6th, 2012 admin

By Brittney Richerson/Special to the Caller-Times

Corpus Christi Ballet brings to life the story of young Clara, her beloved nutcracker and their adventures in the Land of Sweets for the 38th consecutive season in four performances this month at the American Bank Center Selena Auditorium.

The production of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsy’s “Nutcracker Ballet,” based on the tale “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice” by E.T.A. Hoffman, opens with performances this weekend. Gala Performances on Dec. 15-16 will feature guest dancers Karina Gonzalez and Connor Walsh of the Houston Ballet and the Corpus Christi Ballet Orchestra under the direction of Maestro William Reber.

“Even though we have been doing this for so many years, the ballet is a little different each season,” said Cristina Stirling Munro, artistic director of Corpus Christi Ballet. “The choreography changes and we have different dancers in different roles. I always say, ‘This year will be the best year.’”

Munro said the production is a “magical” holiday experience for everyone.

“‘The Nutcracker’ brings to life this brilliant fantasy for the entire audience, no matter how young or old,” she said. “For the cast and everyone involved, the performances are results of months of rehearsing and hard work, but it also becomes a beautifully realistic fantasy for them.”

About 150 dancers, some of them as young as five-years-old, are cast for the ballet each year. Auditions were held for dancers in the Coastal Bend and surrounding areas in September for the 2012-2013 season production, Munro said.

Elizabeth Hooper, who has been with Corpus Christi Ballet for more than 10 years, will perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy this weekend. Victoria Gonzalez, Alexandra Morgan, Angela Murray and Eloise Urban each will perform as Clara.

Corpus Christi native Mia Carvalho will appear in her 18th “Nutcracker” production this season as the Snow Queen and Arabian.

“It’s a tradition,” Carvalho said. “Just like putting up a Christmas tree, ‘The Nutcracker’ has become something everyone just does. Whether you’re involved with the production or you come to see it, it’s a regular part of kicking off the Christmas season for so many people.”

She said even though the production is a ballet, it has something to offer for audience members of all ages and backgrounds.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO. Madeline Klien will perform in the Arabian dance in the Corpus Christi Ballet's performances of "The Nutcracker" this weekend and Dec. 15-16 at the American Bank Center Selena Auditorium.

“There’s a battle scene for the boys and every little girl can relate to Clara at one point or another,” she said. “The Land of Sweets is fun for everyone and the dances celebrate and represent different cultures.”

If You Go

What: Corpus Christi Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 15 and 3 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 16

Where: American Bank Center Selena Auditorium

Cost: $6.50 to $11.50 per ticket Saturday and Sunday; $11.50 to $31.50 per ticket Dec. 15-16